28th Annual Christkindlmarket B4 Dinner @Berghoff's on Black Friday (Pt 1 of 2)

Let's get some more into the holiday season and check out the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza! In its 28th year! Keep in mind, that it is Black Friday so it may be a little crazy downtown, but we are going to give it a shot. Best bet would be to take public transportation & avoid the traffic & parking! Also, things are a little different this year as I could not get a reservation at the Walnut Room so I switched to Berghoff's. Only later time was available at Berghoff's so we will start later normal~

Tentative Itinerary:
2:30 pm -meet outside main entrance to Christkindlmarket on Washington Street in Daley Plaza (usually a line to get in but moves fast)
2:40 pm - 4 pm - walk around Christkindlmarket, drink some Gluhwein, check out the vendors, perhaps eat a pretzel or a blintz
4 pm - 4:40 pm - walk around nearby Macy's on State Street to see the holiday windows before we grab lunch at the Walnut Room
4;40 pm walk over Berghoff's for the 5 pm reservations

If Christkindlmarket is too crazy crowded, we will just head over to State Street for some window shopping and view the Holiday Windows

I am scheduling the DINNER at Berghoff's AFTER the market as a separate event, to make it easier for all & since numbers are limited. If you want to join for the walk as well, please sign up for that here: https://4142298.xyz/exploring-chicago-with-friends/events/303790186/

Chicago’s beloved holiday tradition! Since 1996, German American Events, LLC, a subsidiary of the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, has hosted the Christkindlmarket Chicago as a free event, featuring international and local vendors with various offerings for all ages. The German-style outdoor market has become so popular that it expanded to other locations in Illinois and Wisconsin. The unique shopping experience, cheerful live entertainment and original food and beverages like the imported mulled wine from Germany, called Glühwein, make the Christkindlmarket a preferred and popular destination.

The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all in a cozy atmosphere – this is the authentic German-style Christkindlmarket experience. Each year, from November to December, visitors can explore vendor products from around the world, participate in special events, and enjoy the unique shopping experience. Celebrating 25 yrs in Chicago!

The Christkindlmarket unites cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm. Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first outdoor markets of its kind, the Christkindlmarket is well-known for its vendors’ high-quality gifts and food, holiday cheer, and for being the ideal place for families to make unique memories.

Market also provides free live entertainment to their visitors. From typical alpine brass bands to ballet performances – the Christkindlmarket has it all
https://www.christkindlmarket.com/about/
https://www.christkindlmarket.com/daleyplaza/

If you are taking public transportation, please check Google Maps for directions or use CTA trip planner. https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ - easily accessible by bus and train

If you drive, there is metered street parking on Randolph & Monroe plus surrounding streets. Watch for no parking and permit only signs. Best to use SpotHero or ParkWhiz for cheapest options as parking can be tough in this area especially for Black Friday!
https://www.christkindlmarket.com/chicago-parking-info/

PLEASE NOTE OUR CURRENT NO SHOW POLICY:

1. 3 no-shows without updating your rsvp and you will not be able to sign up for future events for 3 months
2. cut-off time to update your rsvp is the start time of the event. If you miss the start time, then message the event host directly
3. not checking in with the event host to notify them you have arrived (for walks, tours or festivals type of events)
4. continual no shows will result in removal from the group!